IDAY, KCCA demand tougher laws against child marriage

By Oyet Okwera

KAMPALA - Child rights activists have unanimously agreed on more stringent laws against perpetrators of early marriage.

The resolution was supported by International Day of the African Youth and Child (IDAY) – an NGO – in conjunction with Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA).

This was during this year's commemoration of the Day of the African Child held at Pearl Africa Primary School in Kabalagala, Kampala.

The activists demanded that tougher laws be instituted coupled with strict following-up of stipulated laws to reduce child marriage.

Dr. Ian Clarke, the Makindye Division mayor, said all stakeholders should unite and strive to devise means of fighting early marriage.

"As leaders, we shall always be held accountable for all evils that occur in society, so it is our responsibility to unite against these evils for sanity in communities where we live," he said.

The guiding theme of the celebration was "25 years after the Adoption of the African Children's Charter: Accelerating our collective efforts to end child marriage in Africa."

According to Dr. Clarke, emphasis should also be geared towards ensuring that the girl child gets opportunities for future benefit. This is because although some girl children have skills, the skills are not tapped because of lack of exposure.
 

The event took place at Pearl Africa Primary School. (Credit: Oyet Okwera)

Fred Kakembo, the chairman of the management committee at IDAY, was optimistic that through partnership, the vulnerable children will be helped live a better life.

He went on to urge all activists to strengthen partnership and bring to book all the perpetrators of child abuse.

Kakembo advised all parents to reflect on challenges facing children and strive towards ensuring that they get basic necessities.

According to Reginah Namakula, a child rights activist who is the coordinator of IDAY, Uganda encouraged children to report all cases of child abuse to relevant authorities.

But, she added, this can be possible if teachers help children have high esteem with confidence to approach the leaders. She also advised parents to continue playing a protective role in the lives of their children and desist from actions that violate their rights.

Steven Luuka, a parent, said all parents should encourage the enactment of by-laws to strengthen protection of children in society.

He observed that by-laws will help bring to book the perpetrators of child marriage.

"As we devise means of protecting our girls from early marriage, we as parents should stop marrying off girls for material gains.”